Ashes and Ice by Tracie Peterson Read Free Book Online Page A

dismissed from the family table. He’d been honored and his words heeded as grains of wisdom until now. He looked at Grace, whose head was bowed, her gaze fixed on an empty plate. This was her fault. He should have known it would happen. Why had he been so foolish as to listen to his heart?
    He turned and left the room without bothering to add further comment. I will not stand around and be insulted by my own family. Let them have their Bible studies and prayers . He turned the handle on the front door, then remembered some important papers he needed. The delay only served to anger him more.
    Taking the stairs two at a time, he allowed his anger to fuel his stride. The papers were in his locked desk near the window. Leaving the door open, he fumbled in his pocket for the key and had barely managed to open the desk when Grace entered the room.
    “Peter, I would like to talk to you.”
    He straightened and momentarily forgot the papers. He met her intense brown eyes, saw the flush to her cheeks, and thought her the most beautiful woman in the world. Why did she have to be so cantankerous and opinionated?
    “I have nothing to say.”
    She nodded and closed the door. “Perhaps not, but I have something I want to say to you.”
    “I do not wish to hear it. You’ve caused enough harm already. I can’t believe you could so quickly turn my family against me. But that, of course, has always been the power of religious nonsense. I suppose when you found you could not convert me, you went after them with the same ardor and zeal. Well, you have my congratulations, Grace. You have managed a feat I would have thought them above falling for.”
    “Peter, this isn’t a game.”
    He watched her fold her hands calmly as she leaned back against the door. “I have only the highest regard for your family. They have been gracious and kind. They have willingly taken me into their fold without question and without resentment. I thought you wanted me to get along with them. On the trip here from Skagway you encouraged me to befriend your sister, and I have done that. She is a pleasant woman who has a sharp mind for detail. She knows a great deal and has much to offer. I enjoy her company, and I believe she enjoys mine, as well.”
    Peter gritted his teeth and turned back to the desk. He opened the drawer and took out a thick fold of papers. Relocking the desk, he looked back to Grace and cocked his head to one side. “Is that all?”
    “No,” she replied softly. “Peter, I love you with all my heart. I’m sorry that I have offended you by sharing my faith with your family, but I’m not sorry for having shared my faith. I did not do so with the intention of bringing you harm or causing ill will against you.”
    “Well, for something you never intended to do, you’ve done it well.”
    “I don’t wish for you to leave in anger. We’ve had too many angry words of late.” She moved toward him, but Peter quickly held up his hand.
    “Stay your distance, madam. I will not be cajoled from my mood.”
    “I had no idea to offer such a plan. I merely hoped to offer my sincerest apology and tell you that my motivation has always been love. I love you and I love your family. But I also love God, and the love He has shown me gives me cause to want to share it with others.”
    Peter shoved the papers into his coat pocket. “I’m afraid if you are unwilling to put an end to this religious nonsense, we will constantly be at odds. I have no desire to fall into a routine of the masses. My Maker needs no such confirmation from me. God knows who He is and what He plans. He will not be swayed by my prayers or reading of the Bible.
    “In turn, I need no such lessons in religious matters from my wife.” He paused and eyed her hard. He knew it was a look that could wilt even the heartiest of his sailors, but he didn’t care. “What I need from you is obedience and respect. Without that, we cannot have a marriage.”
    “I agree,” Grace said.